"Hmm," he says. "So - let's say I hand you my end of Elli's secure comlink on my way out, meaning for you to turn it in. And let's say you stick it in your pocket and forget about it, it being rather useless for its intended purpose while both Elli and I are in orbit."

Miles gives his Barrayaran uniform trousers a vigorous shake, dispensing the comlink onto his bed, where he picks it up and chucks it at Ivan before starting to pull on his Dendarii greys.